Introduce this song that goes to the tune of “Old MacDonald.” Draw similarities between the song and what the children suggested. Be sure and use the hand signals (TPR - Total Physical Response) to put it in the brain. You can also use these visual cues when children are struggling with a word they don’t know.
This Is How You Learn to Read (Move It! Learn It! CD)
Oh, this is how you learn to read – a e i o u
Use your eyes and what do you see? a e i o u (Circles around eyes.)
A picture here, a picture there.
Look at pictures everywhere.
This is how you learn to read - a e i o u
Oh, this is how you learn to read – a e i o u
Use your ears for sounds you hear – a e i o u (Cup hands behind ears.)
Consonants here.
Vowels there.
Put sounds together everywhere.
This is how you learn to read – a e i o u
Oh, this is how you learn to read – a e i o u
If you forget words in you head – a e i o u (Palms open.)
Just skip one here. (Snap finger.)
Or skip one there.
Then read it again and it will be clear.
This is how you learn to read – a e i o u
Oh, this is how you learn to read – a e i o u
Look for a little chunk you know – a e i o u (Stick up pinky finger.)
If there is a chunk at the end
Put the sound in front
And then blend.
This is how you learn to read – a e i o u
Now you know the tools you need – a e i o u
Just use your eyes and ears to read – a e i o u (Point to eyes and ears.)
Pictures, sounds, and letters
Use these tools
You’ll read much better! (Tap head with index finger.)
Now you have the tools to read – a e i o u
Reader’s Toolbox
Let children make a “Reader’s Toolbox.” Fold a piece of construction paper in half. Attach pipe cleaners for handles. Have children write the strategies good readers use in their toolboxes. Younger children could draw the picture clues:
Eyes, ears, X for snap, pinky finger for chunk. Remind them to keep their toolboxes in their desk and get them out when they need help.
Hint! Partner reads are a good way to practice tools of good readers. If you have multiple copies of books each child can hold one. Have them face opposite directions with shoulders touching. They can take turns nudging each other’s shoulder to prompt or correct.
This is how you learn to read – a e i o u
Now you know the tools you need – a e i o u
Just use your eyes and ears to read – a e i o u (Point to eyes and ears.)
Pictures, sounds, and letters
Use these tools
You’ll read much better! (Tap head with index finger.)
Now you have the tools to read – a e i o u
Reader’s Toolbox
Let children make a “Reader’s Toolbox.” Fold a piece of construction paper in half. Attach pipe cleaners for handles. Have children write the strategies good readers use in their toolboxes. Younger children could draw the picture clues:
Eyes, ears, X for snap, pinky finger for chunk. Remind them to keep their toolboxes in their desk and get them out when they need help.
Hint! Partner reads are a good way to practice tools of good readers. If you have multiple copies of books each child can hold one. Have them face opposite directions with shoulders touching. They can take turns nudging each other’s shoulder to prompt or correct.